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Rib pain after an injury or coughing

Also called: Bruised rib, cracked rib, rib fracture, chest wall strain

Rib pain after an injury or hard coughing is often from a bruised or cracked rib, or a strained muscle between the ribs. It hurts more with deep breaths, coughing, or twisting. Most heal in 3 to 6 weeks. Shortness of breath, coughing up blood, or pain after a serious injury needs urgent care.

Common causesRib bruise or fracture, muscle strain, costochondritis
Usually serious?Usually not, but can affect breathing
Get checked ifThere's shortness of breath, a serious injury, or fever
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

Ribs can bruise, crack, or break from falls, car crashes, sports, or even forceful coughing, especially in older adults or people with thin bones. Pain is sharp, worse with breathing, and tender to touch.

Muscle strain between the ribs and costochondritis (inflammation where ribs meet the breastbone) can cause similar pain. Shallow breathing from rib pain can lead to pneumonia, so taking deep breaths is important.

When to get medical care

Call 911Shortness of breath, trouble breathing, or coughing up blood after a chest injury. Several broken ribs or a chest that moves strangely. Severe pain after a car crash or major fall. Chest pain with sweating or pressure.
Get care todayRib pain with fever or a cough with colored phlegm. Pain that's getting worse. Rib injury in an older adult. Belly pain after an injury to the lower ribs.
See a doctor soonPain that doesn't improve after a few weeks. Rib pain from coughing that won't go away. A rib fracture from a minor injury (possible weak bones).

Causes

Common causes include bruised or fractured ribs from falls, sports, and car crashes, forceful coughing, muscle strain, and costochondritis. Other causes include shingles, pleurisy, pneumonia, osteoporosis, and, rarely, cancer that has spread to bone.

OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause rib pain after an injury or coughing. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

  • Bruised or cracked ribSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    Pain in the ribs after a fall, hit, or hard coughing, worse with deep breaths, coughing, or twisting.

What you can do at home

  • Ice the area for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day for the first few days.
  • Take deep breaths every hour while awake, and cough gently while holding a pillow against your chest.
  • Rest, but keep moving gently.
  • Don't wrap your chest tightly, which makes it harder to breathe deeply.
  • Sleep propped up if lying flat hurts.

Medicines

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can ease pain so you can breathe deeply. Stronger pain medicine or a nerve block may be needed for bad fractures. Pneumonia needs antibiotics.

At the doctor

The provider will check for broken ribs and lung problems.

Questions you may be asked

  • How the injury happened
  • Shortness of breath or coughing up blood
  • Where it hurts
  • Fever or cough
  • Bone health

The exam

Listening to the lungs and pressing on the ribs.

Tests

  • A chest X-ray
  • A CT scan after major injuries
  • A bone density test if a rib broke easily

Prevention

You can lower your risk.

  • Wear a seat belt
  • Use protective sports gear
  • Prevent falls
  • Treat ongoing coughs

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.